This diary was kept by Minnie Colburn of Hollis, New Hampshire from January 1, 1882 to December 8, 1883. Based on her diary entries, Minnie was a teenager, possibly around the age of 14 or 15 when she began the diary. She was one of the younger children in her family, having had at least three older siblings- two brothers, Ed and Charlie, and an older sister, Bertha.

The diary describes everyday events, documenting the daily life of a New England teenager girl during the late 19th century. Minnie discusses occurrences in her home; daily chores; sicknesses, particularly the measles which struck her and three of her siblings.